Sideways is a mixed-use development located in the heart of Santa Monica, less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean. Fronting the city’s major thoroughfare, Santa Monica Boulevard, the building presents an elegant horizontal massing articulated by a series of carved voids that create a rhythmic cadence along the street. These sculpted openings form outdoor rooms and circulation spaces throughout the building, culminating in a multi-level terraced courtyard that connects directly to the public realm. A rooftop deck offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains.
The project employs a restrained and refined material palette. White metal panels in varying textures and transparencies are paired with smooth plaster, exposed concrete, and steel. Accents of blue and green at the recessed balconies subtly reference the coastal context. A colonnade of slender steel pipe columns creates a porous edge at the street level. The columns shift from a regular rhythm at the corners to a playful, dynamic composition at the intersection of Santa Monica and Yale, activating the pedestrian experience.
Sideways provides 50 residences—including affordable units—and over 12,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Two levels of subterranean parking are integrated discreetly into the site. Amenities include lush landscaped courtyards, lounges, co-working spaces, a gym, and a game room.
Designed with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, the building exceeds the strict requirements of the Santa Monica Green Code and is designed to perform at a LEED Gold-equivalent level, setting a high standard for sustainable urban living.